Washburn Tech Student Honored Twice

July 16, 2013

Topeka, Kan. - David Marstall of Topeka, who is a student in Washburn Tech’s auto collision repair program and a member of the Marine Corps Reserve, is the recipient of two grants given by industry. He is a winner of the 3M Hire Our Heroes grant, as well as an Alcoa Aluminum Repair Training grant.

Marstall is among 59 winners nationwide to receive a Hire our Heroes grant of $2,500 to purchase tools and equipment needed to start a career in collision repair. This year’s recipients included 54 vets and five family members of military members.

In addition, Marstall and his Washburn Tech collision instructor, Eric Showalter, won an Alcoa Aluminum Repair Training Grant from the Collision Repair Education Foundation. As a result, they received two days of aluminum repair training in Appleton, Wisc.

“This training accelerates my career, and it means a lot to me when large corporations give back to vets and their families,” Marstall said.

Marstall begins his second year in Washburn Tech’s Auto Collision Program this fall. In the U.S. Marine Corps, he served as a marine biologist and recently returned to Topeka with his wife and one year old son. He also volunteers on area water rescue and dive teams, and is a graduate of Topeka High School.